Category Archives: Winter interest

Even More Hoar Frost

Posted on January 19, 2010 by Mary Schier

Two other Northfield bloggers have already put up photos of today’s hoar frost here and here, but I couldn’t resist taking a few, too. Hoar frost forms when plants (or cars or whatever) are colder than the air. Moisture in … Continue reading →

Posted in Weather, Winter interest | 1 Comment

This Christmas Tree is for the Birds

Posted on December 7, 2009 by Mary Schier

This weekend, I finished up the last of my outdoor holiday decorating with a Christmas tree for the birds. I’d seen suggestions for these on a few birding and gardening web sites and thought it would make winter more exciting … Continue reading →

Posted in Crafts, Decorating, See it in Northern Gardener, Winter interest | 2 Comments

Holiday Pots on the Cheap, part 1

Posted on November 27, 2009 by Mary Schier

It’s easy to spend a lot of money on holiday decorations for inside and outside of your home — but it can also be done on the cheap, and my goal this holiday season is to come up with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Container Gardening, Decorating, Seasons, Winter interest | Leave a comment

Hey! It's Working!

Posted on March 13, 2008 by Mary Schier

I don’t know why, but I am always surprised when some new gardening endeavor actually turns out. About a month ago, I decided to try to force some red-twig dogwood branches. I followed the instructions for making a sugar water/bleach … Continue reading →

Posted in Houseplants, Seasons, Shrubs, Winter interest | 2 Comments

Forcing Red-Twig Dogwood

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Mary Schier

Back in December, I blogged about how wonderful red-twig dogwoods are for providing winter color. In answer to my question about whether to coppice my dogwoods, a reader suggested taking out one-third of the branches each winter and putting the … Continue reading →

Posted in Shrubs, Winter interest | 5 Comments

Christmas Container, Part 2: Boughs and Bilbo Baggins

Posted on December 16, 2007 by Mary Schier

Saturday, I began putting together my holiday-themed container. Since it was very cold outside, I put some newspapers on the floor in our mudroom and worked there. Before starting, I brought in all the things I thought I’d put in … Continue reading →

Posted in Container Gardening, Decorating, Winter interest | Leave a comment

Christmas Container, Part 1

Posted on December 15, 2007 by Mary Schier

I’ve been planning to put a holiday-themed container on our front porch for awhile, and decided I’d better get to the job before New Year’s arrives. The first step was to make a pot with a holiday look. I’m not … Continue reading →

Posted in Container Gardening, Decorating, Winter interest | Leave a comment

Holiday Pot Advice from a Pro

Posted on December 13, 2007 by Mary Schier

Yesterday I visited Squire House Gardens in Afton, a wonderful garden and gift shop. The shop is dressed for the holidays, with container plantings, lots of greenery, and an arbor decked with ornaments–well worth a visit on a sunny, winter … Continue reading →

Posted in Container Gardening, Decorating, Winter interest | 1 Comment

A Picture-Perfect Winter Day

Posted on December 12, 2007 by Mary Schier

Today I drove from Northfield to Afton to visit Squire House Gardens for an upcoming story in Northern Gardener. I cannot remember a time when the hoarfrost looked so beautiful on the trees. I had to stop the car to … Continue reading →

Posted in Seasons, Winter interest | Leave a comment

Garden in Winter

Posted on December 5, 2007 by Mary Schier

After two light and lovely snowfalls, the garden is looking a lot like Christmas!